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What Causes Shortness Of Breath And Difficulty Sleeping?

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Posted on Thu, 13 Oct 2016
Question: Whenever I lay down to go to sleep I feel like Im sufficating and I get panicy and have to spray myself with a water bottle to regain my calm, shortness of breath all of the time
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
not likely related to heart or lung disease

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

You mentioned that you feel as though you may be suffocating and experience panic, symptoms relieved when you spray with water , this calms you down.

Based on this, then it is not likely that the symptoms are related to any problems with the lungs or heart but may be psychological in nature. If they were related to the heart or lungs then they would not improve with this treatment.

You may be experiencing anxiety at that time. Anxiety can be treated with counselling and medication.
The counselling may be in the form of cognitive behavioral therapy which tries to alter any thoughts, ideas or perceptions that may be causing anxious behavior.

The medication would work along with this to help reduce your panic at this time or any other time.

Anxiety or panic disorders are common problems faced by a lot of persons.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (2 days later)
I ended up in the emergency room of the Harney county Hospital early Tuesday morning, had heart failure due to arrhythmia,and enlarged heart, I guess what I'd like to know is If I can't sleep laying down because of lack of breath , and my feet are swollen and cold all the time will you review this and re diagnose, There is a list of medications at the top of the page thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
heart failure would definitely play a role

Detailed Answer:
HI

Sorry about the delayed reply

If you notice that you need to lay down on a number of pillows to be comfortable (no shortness of breath), this would be called orthopnea and it is one of the symptoms of heart failure.
It is related to fluid build up in the lungs which tends to be worse on laying flat.

Heart failure would also contribute to the additional symptoms mentioned- swelling of the feet.
If your heart disease is causing you significant discomfort then your doctor may need to adjust your medication depending on the doses that you are currently using.

Anxiety can also cause shortness of breath and in some persons, the worry and fear about their underlying conditions can cause them to feel anxious and this then contributes to the shortness of breath unfortunately but understandably.

Please feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16835 Questions

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What Causes Shortness Of Breath And Difficulty Sleeping?

Brief Answer: not likely related to heart or lung disease Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic You mentioned that you feel as though you may be suffocating and experience panic, symptoms relieved when you spray with water , this calms you down. Based on this, then it is not likely that the symptoms are related to any problems with the lungs or heart but may be psychological in nature. If they were related to the heart or lungs then they would not improve with this treatment. You may be experiencing anxiety at that time. Anxiety can be treated with counselling and medication. The counselling may be in the form of cognitive behavioral therapy which tries to alter any thoughts, ideas or perceptions that may be causing anxious behavior. The medication would work along with this to help reduce your panic at this time or any other time. Anxiety or panic disorders are common problems faced by a lot of persons. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions